Healthcare cost comparison between first-line ibrutinib and acalabrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients in the Veterans Affairs

<b>Aim:</b> Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis), including ibrutinib and acalabrutinib, transformed the treatment landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) by improving outcomes compared with chemoimmunotherapy. Real-world economic comparisons between BTKis are needed in diverse populations. This study aimed to compare healthcare costs in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) among patients with CLL/SLL treated with, and remaining persistent on, first-line (1L) ibrutinib versus acalabrutinib monotherapy for 12 months. <b>Materials & methods:</b> This retrospective study used VHA electronic medical record data from January 2006 to July 2024. Eligible patients initiated 1L ibrutinib or acalabrutinib monotherapy on or after November 2019 and remained on continuous treatment for ≥12 months. All-cause and CLL/SLL-related costs were assessed over 12 months of follow-up. Generalized linear models were used to estimate adjusted costs and compare differences between treatment cohorts. <b>Results:</b> A total of 1059 patients were included (ibrutinib: n = 732; acalabrutinib: n = 327). During the 12-month follow-up of continuous 1L treatment, the annual adjusted all-cause total healthcare cost difference between ibrutinib and acalabrutinib was -$2422 (p = 0.46) (adjusted medical cost difference: $5259, p = 0.03; adjusted pharmacy cost difference: -$5886, p = 0.02). The annual adjusted CLL/SLL-related total healthcare cost difference between ibrutinib and acalabrutinib was -$3793 (p = 0.15) (adjusted medical cost difference: $2085, p = 0.05; adjusted pharmacy cost difference: -$5860, p = 0.02). <b>Conclusion:</b> Among VHA patients with CLL/SLL who initiated and remained on treatment with 1L BTKi monotherapy for 12 months, annual all-cause and CLL/SLL-related total healthcare costs were similar between ibrutinib and acalabrutinib. Pharmacy costs were lower for ibrutinib, while medical costs were lower for acalabrutinib, resulting in overall comparable total costs.